The Ambassador of Botswana to Mozambique Mr Thuso Ramodimoosi has commended Botswana companies participating at the Maputo International Trade Fair for taking a bold step in advertising and showcasing their products away from home.

Addressing the Botswana exhibitors on Tuesday night (September 1) at a dinner he hosted in their recognition, Mr Ramodimoosi advised exhibitors to use the opportunity to expand their business interests through networking with other business establishments at the fair.

The purpose of the dinner was to give exhibitors an opportunity to interact and exchange information. Organised by the Botswana High Commissioner in conjunction with the Botswana Investment Trade Centre (BITC), the dinner was aimed at coinciding with the Maputo International Trade Fair.

Mr Ramodimoosi highlighted to exhibitors that trade between Botswana and Mozambique is minimal, saying exchanging experience and ideas in the business sector would grow their businesses. The government of Mozambique set up a high commission in Gaborone in 2004. Botswana reciprocated by opening a high commission in Maputo in 2012.

Mr Ramodimoosi said the embassy is planning on offering Portuguese lessons so as to break the communication barrier as most exhibitors speak Portuguese. Companies participating at the fair are the Botswana Meat Commission, Arona Natural Foods, Kwena Concrete, Sleek Foods, F&G Botswana, Feura Sports and AH Designs. They are exhibiting a range of products, including beef, cooking oil, concrete products, packaged relish, sports wear and leather products.

For their part, Botswana exhibitors said that it has been encouraging that their products have shown the potential to compete internationally. They said that participation at the fair has maximised their prospects for the export market in Mozambique and internationally.

The head of the Institute for Export Promotion (IPEX) of Moxambique Mr Joao Macaringue said 3 000 participants from 31 countries registered for the fair. The Maputo International Trade Fair attracted companies from Africa, Portugal and Brazil, among others.

BITC executive director Ms Trunklinah Gabonthone said they expect Botswana exhibitors to trade in the Mozambican market. She said their participation at the fair would help boost foreign exchange as well as diversify Botswana’s economy. Ms Gabonthone said while Botswana is mostly known for its beef and diamonds, other products from the country have not yet reached out to other countries.

The week-long trade fair held, which is themed Promoting the Economic Potential of Mozambique, was officially opened by Mozambique President Filipe Nyussi in Maputo on Monday. In his address, he urged local business people to set up strong durable partnerships and produce more for export.